Valencia out after draw

Valencia are out of the UEFA Champions League after a 0-0 draw at home to Schalke.

Last Updated: 28/11/07 9:57pm

Valencia are out of the UEFA Champions League after a 0-0 draw at home to Schalke in a horrible game at the Mestalla.

The Spaniards had David Albelda sent off in the first half for a reckless challenge and rarely looked like securing the required win.

In contrast, Schalke seemed content to play for a draw, knowing victory at home to Rosenborg will take them through with Chelsea.

Valencia headed into the game needing a win, but rarely tested Manuel Neuer early on, with Joaquin firing in a couple of wayward attempts.

Schalke looked a danger on the break and centre-half Marcelo Bordon could have done better than head Mesut Ozil's corner off target.

Neuer then flapped at a Vicente free-kick before the German's opposite number Santiago Canizares was grateful to see Fabian Ernst's volley fly straight into his arms.

Just past the half-hour mark, Valencia were reduced to 10 men when Albelda was dismissed for a high-speed lunge on Rafinha, as the Schalke full-back sought to break after defending a free-kick.

Fernando Morientes was sacrificed by Ronald Koeman, with Manuel Fernandes brought on, and moments later Valencia lost Marco Caneira to injury, with Raul Albiol introduced.

In stoppage-time, the Che had a great chance to score when, despite looking suspiciously offside, Carlos Marchena's shot from close range was kept out by the legs of Neuer after Edu's original effort had deflected into his path.

Schalke started the second half brightly, with Ivan Rakitic's shot searing just wide before Halil Altintop wasted a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead.

Altintop slipped the Valencia offside trap to race on to Ozil's through-ball, but dithered in front of Canizares and the chance was gone once he tried to round the keeper.

Joaquin then picked out Vicente in space, but the Valencia winger's low shot from the edge of the area was easily saved by Neuer.

The tetchy nature of the game continued when Ozil was booked for a blatant dive when trying to con the referee into awarding a penalty.

In injury-time, Valencia had a chance to win the tie, but substitute David Silva dragged his shot wide after breaking into the box.